Table game device



July 10, 1956 R. D. BARNES TABLE GAME DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 2, 1953 FA-Iii INVENTOR. BAR N ES RUSSELL DAVID July 10, 1956 R. D. BARNES TABLE GAME DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 2, 1953 INVENTOR. RUSSELL DAVID BARNES hamw United Sates Patent C) TABLE GAME DEVICE Russell David Barnes, Pompton Lakes, N. J. Application June 2, 1953, Serial No. 359,107 19 Claims. (Cl. 273-37) A principal purpose of this invention is to provide a device which enables a single table primarily intended for a game of one type to be instantly adapted without any change for use in a game of another type, notably a shufiieboard table to be made available for bowling and instantly changed back. A cognate object is to adapt a bowling or other similar table which is designed for use by players standing at one end thereof only and must have a baflie-board or the like at the other end to be converted quickly and easily for double-ended use with players standing at and alternatively playing from each end, the bafile at each end being movable out of the way without delay or trouble. A closely related object is to provide a table complete in itself which may be alternatively used from each end alternatively either for bowling or shufileboard.

A first embodiment of my invention consists of an accessory device for a table game such as shuffieboard played upon a table which although completely structurally independent of the shuflleboard table instantly converts it from a shuffieboard to a bowling alley which can be played by contestants, some standing at one end and some at the other. Another purpose of this invention is the provision of a complete dual purpose table which either can be built as a shufiieboard table with an accessory which can be attached thereto by a few bolts or detached therefrom so that alternatively either game can be played thereon. Thus the combination of my accessory device and a shuffleboard table results in a new game tablenamely a shufiieboard-bowling game table.

Some years ago shufileboard became highly popular in places of public assembly such as bars and grills but more recently interest in this game has waned although apparently it is about to revive. Therefore an object hereof is to provide a device Which preferably without physical attachment or alternatively with the installation and removal of a few bolts can be combined with and then removed from presently existing shufl'leboard tables to adapt them to use for bowling. Bowling played on a table rather than a fully-equipped alley, generally prohibitively expensive to build and maintain and requiring over much space, will put to profitable and pleasant use these thousands of shuflleboard tables now often standing idle. My purpose includes, however, instant re-conversion of such a bowling into a shufileboard table, for the relatively few persons who now play that game or the many who may later play it I know that it is not new to provide parlor bowling alleys with end receiving boxes for balls and pins which may be folded down so that the end at which players stand may be changed, or elaborate pit sections which may be swung to one side, or collapsible tables wherein a pit section may be swung downwardly below the horizontal plane of the table, or canvas collapsible catch pockets which must be tied and untied each time a side changes. No one of these devices known to me has the characteristics of conversion of one game table into anenlarged top plan view two different games or as applied to a table for one game has the convenience and simplicity exemplified by my invention.

Another object of this invention, therefore, is to provide an improved form of hood or baffle operative at or attachable to each end of a bowling table which in a first or bathe-position prevents the ball and pins from flying about and to the floor but can be instantly raised to a free position so that a contestant standing at that end of the table may bowl. An object of this invention is to simplify and improve upon detailed constructions eXemplified in the prior art, which so far as I am aware does not include devices which meet the primary object of this invention.

In either form my invention employs two vertical columns attachable to a floor within which a counterweight rides with a connection to a hood or baflie plate which is pivoted either to the columns in the first preferred embodiment or directly to the table in another preferred embodiment. This structure is duplicated upon each end of the table. In the first embodiment cross supports tie each member of each set of columns together and horizontal and diagonal supports carry the entire weight of the hood in each position. Since it is pivoted and counterpoised slight pressure given as by a touch of a finger will cause the hood to be moved from its baflleaposition to its playing position and vice versa.

Other objects, characteristics and advantages of my invention will be clear from the following portion of this specification, the attached drawings and the sub-joined claims. These objects include both provision of one piece of equipment to serve as a basis for two games with or complete independence of an established type of table and improvements in known table bowling. Although for purposes of illustration I am showing only preferred forms of my invention it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of my broader claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a first form of my invention partly broken away wherein my device is completely structurally independent of a game table, with which it may be supplied complete or to which it may be attached as an accessory. The left side is shown with my hood in protective position and the right side, in each instance as other.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view, with the central portion broken away, generally corresponding to the leftward side of Figure 1, with the hook in protective position.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view generally corre sponding to the rightward portion of Figure 1; it shows my protective hood raised to a position wherein one or more contestants can bowl from that end.

Figure 4 is a partial sectional view taken on the line 44 of Figure 1. It omits certain of the details of the instrumentalities by which the hoods are pivoted upon the columns and straps, such parts being shown enlarged in Figure 5.

Figure 5 (sheet two) is a detailed, fragmentary and of a preferred structure for pivoting the hood and corresponds to a portion of Figure 4.

Figures 6 and 7 are enlarged fragmentary views of a preferred mechanism for mounting my counterweight.

Figure 6 is a horizontal section taken on the line 66 of Figure 7."

Figure 7 is a vertical section taken on the line 7-7 of Figure 6.

Figures 8, 9 and to illustrate another embodiment of my invention wherein my improved hood or baffle is directly attached to a game table with which it may be sold complete or to which it may be attached as. an accessory.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of this other embodiment generally corresponding to the leftward side of my first embodiment as shown in Figure 1 with the hood in protective position.

Figure 9 is a side elevational view generally corresponding'to the leftward side of Figure 2 of the first embodiment, the hood being in protective position.

Figure is a partial section with certain parts omitted for clarity taken on the line 10-10 of Figure 8.

All of the figures except 6 are partly broken away. For clarity the (horizontal) distances between; the. table and the hood and, its supporting mechanism are exaggerated.

Throughout the specif cation and in the sub-joined claims such words as higher and upper or up and lower, down and below are used from the standpoint of the device as shown for example in the Figures 1 and 8 ready for playing, the orientation of these words being thatof a person standing at one end of the table in playing position. Inner and'outer are used from the standpoint of the table itself. The words left and right are employed from the standpoint of the drawings. Longitudinal indicates a direction parallel to the long axis of a game table and cross" or transverse a direction at right angles thereto. By end Irncan a relatively short side of a table or playing surface at which a contestant or contestants stand and by side I means the relatively long dimension of such a table or playing surface at substantially right angles to and joining said ends. I use the word bowling in its generic or common and ordinary dictionary meaning of'a game played with a ball rolled along a flat surface to knock over pins. Similar words are used with similar meanings.

My device in each embodiment shown herein is duplicated for use at or attachment to each end of a game table. Consequently for simplicity I employ reference characters for the parts upon the right end of the table which are the same as those used upon the left end but with a prime character added. Likewise to reduce com plication sincemuch ofthe mechanism except for the cross. struts, all as later described in detail, is duplicated upon. eachside of eachend I apply the same reference characters. to each ofthe parts so duplicated.

This first presented form of my invention in which I combine with a conventional shufiieboard table a removahlefioorless baflle or hood which permits a game to, be played successively from each end my device is entirely structurally independent of an existing table. See'particularly Figures 1 to 5 inclusive. In the second presented: form of the invent-ion my hood and. its associated.

parts. are readily. physically attached to and detached from a game table, as best seen in Figures 8, 9 and 10, and; in each embodiment my. device may be-manufactured, used or sold as an accessory or asa part ofan especiallybuilt unit including-a table and in the second embodiment as a part of that table.

A table with which a first embodiment of my device is used in generally indicated as 11, It comprises upwardly extending side rails 13, an.- end piece 14; and downwardly extending skirts and is supported by legs- 16. A horizontal playing surface 17 may be composed. of longitudinal narrow strips preferably. of a. hardwood such as maple laid side by side upon the top of. thehed: of the table and attached thereto. Pits 19 at each. end: of the table receive the pins placed upon spots, 21. Gutters 23 are provided as in bowling for reception of ballsor discsknockedrin that direction and are available for the return of balls. Since I make it easy to bowl fromeach.

end such an arrangement is not necessary, but in many present shulfieboard tables.

In each form of my device essential elements employed at each end of a table include a floorless baffle or hood generally indicated at 31 which may be readily raised or lowered and upright tubular supports or columns 33. These supports are a basis of the simple mechanism which enables certain elements of my mode of operation readily to be carried out.

Connections, counterweights, supports and handles complete the structure: The hood or bafile generally indi; cated as 31 consists of two side walls 35 and an end piece 39, the tops and adjacent portions of the edges of the end and side walls being covered by a molding 40, preferably resilient as of rubber, and the junctions of the end and side pieces being reinforced with strips 41. The side pieces extend at right angles from the end piece and in this form of the invention are spaced slightly further apart than the side walls of the table so that they are disposed adjacent thereto thcrewithout. It of course is understood that all walls of each hood are considerably higher than the corresponding walls of the table. Thin rubber corrugated linings with little resilience (not shown) are preferably placed upon the side walls of the hood 35 adjacent the pits, as well as a foam rubber interior backing (likewise not shown) for the end walls 39. Two finger pieces or buttons 43 and 45 are. attached to the end walls 39,v the first mentioned for convenience in raising the hood and the second mentioned for convenience in lowering it.

One end of a flexible connector 47 is attached to a boss 48 which extends outwardly from a side wall of the hood. Each vertical support, for example a heavy pipe, carries journalled within itself upon a horizontal axis a pulley 49 over which the connector runs. See Figures 6 and 7 (sheet two). This pulley, which is of the nonswivelling type, has an upper supporting ring 50 and is mounted below a cross bolt or shaft 51 and is held in place within tubev 33. by interior nuts 52. This shaft has a head 53". An exterior nut 53. holds the cross bolt in place. The connector runs through an opening 54- (Figure- 7) in the column. The other end of this flexible connector is attached tov a relatively heavy weight 55, which I prefer to wrap. in. felt or some other noise-deadening material not shown. I have found a small wire cable encased ina. protective plastic sheath desirable but any other suitable rope or Wire or wire rope may be employed. The weight of the counterpoise 55 is only slightly less than the weight and inertia of the hood 31. As a consequence although the hood will remain readily in a first or baffie or lower position shown in the left-hand portion of Figure 1 and. in Figure 2 a mere touch of a finger upon finger piece 43 will cause, it to rise to a second or raised or playing position of the right-hand portion of these figures, where it remains. Conversely relatively little force need be applied to the convenient finger piece 45. to bring the hood down again from the rightward playing position to, the leftward bafile position. This structure acts as a counterpoise.

I thus..provide connective mechanism-e. g., pivots, stops, weights, pulleys and connectors-between each set of columns and each hood upon which it is moved between two positions and by which it is held in each thereof.

The top of this vertical support column or pipe bears a cap 59 which for purposes of clarity is not shown in the lefthand portion of Figure l. A socket 61 into which the bottom of the pipe is threaded has a flange 63' through which each pipe is screwed or bolted to the floor of the room inwhich the device isused.

In this form of my device the entire weight of the hood 31 is carried by the vertical columns as is best seen in Figure 4. Inorder to leavev the: interior of the tube free for the movement of the counterpoise, to give. greater strength and rigidity, and to facilitate construction and assembly L a a h a upp i g; sv 5 o a i slv t i and heavy steel parallel to the column 33 along its inner side (relatively adjacent the table when my device is placed therewith) by means including an upper or cross shaft bolt 69 and a lower bolt or cross shaft 71 passing through the column above and below the area of travel of the weight. The portion of the shank of the upper bolt 69 exterior to each column is covered by a rubber tubular sleeve 73 (Figure 4) providing a stop against which an edge of the side wall of the hood rests after the hood has been moved to the playing position. See Figure 3. The rubber moulding 40 provides additional shock reducing capacity. For added rigidity another or in termediate bolt or cross shaft 74 is threaded into the side of each column adjacent the table but does not pass therewithin.

Effective mechanism for mounting my hood for pivotal movement will be understood from Figure 5. In this embodiment of my invention the distance between each pivot and the end wall of the hood is greater than the corresponding distance to the end wall of the table because the hood when in its lower or bafile position is disposed on the outside of the table. Since there are four points of attachment, one for each column, and for each side of each hood, four units are required. All of mechanism of each unit is disposed between the column and the side of the table. In each unit one end of a fixed pivot in the form of a headed bolt or cross shaft 75 is threaded into a side wall of vertical column 33 and threaded through vertical supporting strap 65 thus giving rigid support. A brace 77 moves with side wall 35 upon this fixed pivot, with a spacer 79 therebetween. The lower portion of this brace is divided into two parallel supporting bifurcations 81 and 83. Between the adjacent bifurcation '83 and the column I apply another and thin spacer 85. The fixed pivot of course passes through appropriate pivotopenings in all of these members. Within the opening in the wall of the hood are a bushing, not shown, in practice of copper, and another similar but longer bushing 89 within and between the pivot openings in the bifurcated or lower end of the brace. The upper or other end of this brace 77 is firmly fixed as by a bolt 91 to the wall 35 of the hood. The wall thus is rigidly supported by three point suspension.

By reason of this construction, the hood can be readily lowered and raised, both the side walls thereof and the braces 77 being movable upon the same pivot and being held rigidly together.

My support and bracing mechanism which carries the weight of the hood when it is in lowered or playing position and gives rigidity to the whole device by cross-bracing will next be described. A main hood-support in the form of a horizontal angle iron 95 is disposed parallel to and just below the lower edge of the side walls 35 of hood 31 when the hood is in the baffle-position shown at the left. In this position the bottom edge of this open-bottomed hood rests upon the horizontal extension of the angle iron. This main horizontal support is held firmly in place by two diagonal braces in the same vertical plane therewith. The leftward and upper end of a first brace 97, which may be an angle iron, is attached by a rivet, a bolt or any other desired means, to the horizontal support 95 and at its other or rightward and lower end to the leftward and lower end of the somewhat similar second diagonal angle iron brace 99. At this point of junction these lower ends are both attached to the main vertical support or strap 65 as by a threaded bolt or other conventional means. The upper or rightward end of this brace is suitably attached to the main horizontal support 95.

It now will be clear that the above described supporting parts are duplicated upon each side of this structure and this structure so duplicated is repeated at each end. It will be understood that the orientation of these supports and braces as left or right is opposite upon the rightward end of the table.

To give additional rigidity to this entire structure I pass horizontal cross braces 101 and 103 between each side of my supporting members. Brace 101 in my actual construction is a fiat steel barthe ends of which are attached to the sides of first brace 97 adjacent its point of junction with horizontal support 95. Cross strut 103 which extends between the columns just underneath the table and adjacent the horizontal supports is attached to each column in any convenient or desired manner. Either fiat steel strips of considerable thickness or angle irons may be used.

To give even greater rigidity I employ two cross braces or ties 105 and 107, each with a turnbuckle, not shown, diagonal when viewed from above and crossing each other. Each of these braces passes from the junction of braces 97 and 101 on one side to the end of the bolt 74 on the other side respectively, and is attached by the same fastening means.

()peration of my device when installed is most simple. As is shown at the leftward end of Figure l and in Figure 2 the game board is in position to be played as a table bowling alley with one contestant or team standing at the. right with the battle in the second or raised position and with the leftward hood in the first baffle position. As contestants at the right bowl the pins placed upon the spots 21 are knocked over and carom in some cases from the inner resilient linings (not shown) applied to the side walls of hood 13 while some of the pins and the balls may fall into the pit 19 or bounce olf the foam rubber backing of the inner and upwardly extending portion of the back and leftward cross wall of the pit and the corresponding cross wall of the hood. After this frame has been played the pins which stood upon the spots 21 are removed and pins are set up upon the spots 21'. Hood 311 by means of a fingertip touch upon the lower button 45 is pulled down and hood 31 likewise by a touch upon the button 43 rises assisted by the weight 55 operating through the connector 47. Thus the positions of hoods 31 and 31 are relatively interchanged and a team or contestant at the left-hand side of the board without interference from the raised hood may play his frame which has been set up at the right-hand side. When it is desired to play shufileboard upon the table both hoods are raised.

In actual practice I have found it convenient to use pins which are six inches high (in place of the regulation fourteen inches) and two and one-quarter inches in diameter at the widest point and weighing five ounces with balls three and a half inches in diameter and weighing eight ounces. With equipment of this size a reasonably close and satisfactory equivalent of standard bowling can be playedas close as is practicable in a parlor or place of general assemblage such as the many now having shufilleboard tables. Since my invention includes constructions by which the same table may be used interchangeably for a plurality of games, notably shuflleboard and tenpins, provision is made for the use of a plurality of playing utensils.

l t should be noted that the length of shufileboard tables is greater than is necessary for bowling tables, although such additional length is not undesirable for bowling but proprietors of establishments in which my invention is adapted for use may prefer my shorter tables complete with hoods and associated mechanism adapted for shufileboard only because of the saving in income-producing space.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 upon Sheet Two show an important variant of my invention wherein a hood generally similar to that previously described is pivoted upon and completely supported by a game table itself and columns are supplied for the shifting of the hood between a first or lower or bafile position and a second or free or raised position. In this embodiment the relatively high side walls of the hood, since they are disposed within and adjacent the relatively low side walls of the table, are

art e122 spaced less widely and the relatively high end walls of the hood is spaced a less distance from the pivot point of the hood than is the relatively low end wall of the table. Only one end of this invention is shown, the leftward, since the rightward is similar and in the light of the previous portion of this specification and the previous description of the figures will be understood without further illustration or description.

According to this variant construction a tabe with which this form of my device is shown is indicated as 111. It is formed with upwardly-extending side walls or rails 113, a back wall 114 and a downwardly-extend ing skirt 115 and is supported by legs 116. A horizontal playing surface 117 may be composed of longitudinal narrow straps as previously described. Pits 119 are provided at each end for the reception of pins or other playing instrumentalities or utensils as they are knocked off the table. Gutters 123 are disposed upon each side of the playing surface.

A fioorless baffie or hood generally indicated as 131 is a most important element of this embodiment of this invention, as it is of the one just described. It consists essentially of side walls 135 extended at right angles to an end wall 139. As previously described in connection with the form of my invention first presented rubber and foam rubber linings and backings and reinforcements may be installed as well as a top moulding. Two finger pieces 143 and 145 are attached to the end pieces 139, the first-mentioned for convenience in raising the hood and the second-mentioned for convenience in lowering it. This entire structure is pivoted within the confines of the table upon bolts or cross shafts 147. This attaching structure is the same in principle of operation and closely similar in detail to the form of my invention described in detail in connection with Figure The only differences in important detail are that all parts which are pivotally movable upon the fixed bolts 147 are supported by the side walls 113 of the table itself and by the columns. These pivots are rigidly fixed. The pivot cross shafts pass through pivot-openings not shown in each side portion 135 of the hood, these openings being reinforced against wear by metal or other bushings of hard wear-resisting material, and upon installation are threaded into the relatively adjacent side walls of the column 161 later described. Attached to and movable upon the same bolts are bifurcated braces 151, resembling braces 77. Lower bifurcated ends of these braces are freely movable upon the pivot bolts 147 and the upper ends are fixed to the sides of the hood. Since the hood moves within the vertical planes of the side walls of the table and the braces are on the other or outer side, they are longer than braces 77 and the central portions diagonally offset to clear the side walls of the table.

Counterpoised arrangements are provided in a manner analogous to that already described. Two vertical columns 161 serve in this variation as supports for the counterpoise by which the hoods are easily raised and lowered and as means to limit the upward movement of the hood and as a means of support for one end of the pivots. A crossbrace 162 ties the two columns together.

Aspreviously described the lower end of each column is screwed into a socket 163' which by a flange 165 is bolted to the floor and the upper end is completed by a cap 167. An elongated bolt169 surrounded by a cushioning cylinder'1-71 as of rubber and disposed at the upper limit of movement of the hood as best shown in Figure l0 acts as a stop. One end of each connector 173 is attached to each side wall 135 by a boss 175, this boss being disposed relatively adjacent the end wall and relatively distant the pivot point. After passing over a pulley arrangement generally indicated as 177, which may be identic with that shown in Figures 6 and 7' and hence need not be further described, the other end of these connectors are fastened to a' weight 179, which slides fieely within a column 1'61.

By reason of this construction it will be evident that a touch of a finger upon the upper handle 143 assisted by its counterweights will cause a hood to rise from its first or baffle position to its second or raised or free position while a slight pull upon the conveniently placed handle of the hood will cause it to be reinstated in the first position.

In this description these parts of this variant which are common to the construction first presented are not described in detail.

By reason of this construction it will be seen that this hood or bafile operates very much in the manner of the similar structure previously described and shown except that when in the lower or playing position it rests upon and is supported by the table and it is pivoted upon a bolt which is attached both to the side walls of the table and the adjacent side walls of the columns. To install this embodiment of my hood device as an accessory to a table already in place it i'smerely necessary to bore one hole in each side wall of the table for each of the four points of attachment. No other structural change is required. Detachment of my device is equally simple.

The advantages of my invention will have been evident from the foregoing description and the attached drawings and from the subjoined claims. They include the provision of asimple bafile or hood in one instance entirely structurally separate from a game table and in another simply attached thereto or removed therefrom by which a game tabl'econstructed for one form of play may be instantly changed to another. These advantages also include the provision of a device which in a simple and easy manner makes it possible to employ a game table constructed for use from two different ends so that it can be employed in alternate sets or frames by contestants placed upon each end thereof, it being possible immediately to change the effective playing end of the table.

I claim:

1. in a game device, in combination, a table having a horizontal playing surface, at least one vertical column disposed adjacent a side of said table and extending thereabove, a hood having side walls joined by an end'wall and being movable upwardly and downwardly between a first or a baffle position around one end and adjacent portions of the sides of said table and a second or playing position wherein said hood extends upwardly above said playing.

surface and wherein it leaves said end of said table free, and connective mechanism between said column and said hood upon which it is moved between said positions and by which it is'held in either of said positions after it has been moved thereto.

2. In a game device, in combination, a table having a horizontal playing surface, at least one vertical column disposed adjacent each side of said table within a projection of the cross sectional area of said playing surface and extending thereabove', a hood having side walls joined by an end wall and being pivotally movable alternately upwardly and downwardly between a first or baffle position around and enclosing one end and adjacent portions of the sides of said table and a second or playing position above saidplaying surface of said table wherein it leaves said end of said table free, a pivot joining said column and a side of said: hood at a point relatively distant from the end of said hood, and a stop extending from said column from a point relatively adjacent the top thereof in line with said hood when it is raised to said second position.

3. In a game device, in combination, a table having a horizontal playing surface, at least one vertical hollow column disposed adjacent a side of said table within a projection of the cross sectional area of said playing surface and extending thereabove, a hood having side walls joined'by an end wall and being pivotally movable alternativelyupwardly and downwardly between a first'or baffle position around and enclosing one end and adjacent portions of the sides of said table and a second or playing position above said playing surface of said table wherein it leaves said end of said table free, said hood consisting of two parallel side walls and an enclosing end joining said side walls, a pivot joining said column and a side wall of said hood at a point relatively distant from the enclosed end of said hood, a weight vertically movable within said column, a pulley disposed within said column near the top thereof, and a connector running over said pulley between said weight and a point on the adjacent side wall of said hood, said point being adjacent the enclosed end of said hood, said column being provided with an opening through which said connector passes.

4. In a game device, in combination, a table with a horizontal playing surface, two sets of vertical hollow columns, members of each set of said columns being disposed adjacent opposite sides of said table respectively and between and relatively near the ends thereof and rising above said surface, two hoods, each hood having side walls joined by an end wall, a horizontal pivot connecting each side wall of each of said hoods at corresponding points relatively distant from each of said end walls thereof and the relatively adjacent column respectively, each of said hoods being movable between a first or baflie position in which said walls are disposed adjacent said playing surface and surrounding its end and adjacent sides and a second or raised position free of the end of said table, a weight movable vertically within each of said columns, the value of said weight being slightly less than the weight and inertia of said a connector between each of said weights and the relatively adjacent said wall, said connector being attached to the end of said side wall relatively distant from the end wall of said hood, a pulley supported by an upper portion of said column over which said connector runs, and a stop extending toward the side walls of said hood and being disposed to be engageable therewith when said hood is moved to said second or playing position, each of said columns being provided with an opening through which said connector passes, each of said hoods thereby being readily movable upon the counterpoise thus established between said positions and held in the one to which it has been moved.

5. A combination shufileboard and bowling table, said table having a fiat horizontal rectilinear surface including a playing surface and relatively low parallel side walls and a relatively low end wall joining said side walls at right angles thereto, a fioorless hood at each end of said table, each of said hoods having an end wall joining parallel side walls extending therefrom at right angles thereto toward the center of i said table and being spaced from each other a distance slightly diiferent from the distance at which said side walls are spaced from each other, a horizontal pivot for each of said side walls entering a pivot-opening in each of said side walls of each of said hoods respectively, said points being disposed relatively distantly from said end walls and being opposite each other of the same hood, the distance between such points and the end walls of each of said hoods being sufiiciently different from that between each of said pivot points and said end walls of said table so that said end walls of said hoods are disposable parallel to and adjacent to said end walls of said table, a support for each of said pivots, from which structure it follows that each of said hoods is adapted to be raised and lowered upon said pivots between a first or bafiie position wherein said relatively high walls of each of said hoods are disposed adjacent each corresponding low wall of said table to adapt said table for bowling and to prevent tenpins from being knocked therefrom and a second position wherein said end wall and adjacent portions of said side walls of each of said hoods are disposed above said playing surface so that players may operate under said end wall either to bowl hood when in said first position,

from that end or to play shufiieboard, said table being adapted for playing shufileboard when both of said hoods are in said second position and for bowling when one of said hoods is in said first position and the other thereof in said second position.

6. A combined shufl'leboard and bowling table, said table having a flat horizontal rectilinear surface and relatively low side walls and an end wall, a fioorless hood for each end of said table, each of said hoods having an end wall joining parallel side walls extending therefrom at right angles thereto toward the center of said table, all of the walls of each of said hoods being higher than the corresponding walls of said table and said relatively high side walls of said hood, vertical columns disposed opposite each other adjacent each of said side walls of each of said hoods relatively distant from said end walls respectively, a horizontal pivot supported by each of said columns and entering a pivot-opening at adjacent points in each of said side walls respectively upon which said hoods are adapted to be raised and lowered between a first or baflle position wherein said relatively high walls of each of said hoods are disposed adjacent and without each corresponding low wall of said table to adapt said table for bowling and preventing tenpins from being knocked therefrom and a second position wherein said end wall and adjacent portions of said side walls of each of said hoods are disposed above said playing surface so that players may operate under said end wall of said hood either to bowl from that end or to play shuflleboard, the distance between such pivot points and the end walls of each of said hoods being sufliciently greater than between each of said pivot points and said end walls of said table so that said end walls of said hoods when disposed in said first position are positioned slightly further from the center of said table than is said end wall, and said side walls of said hood are disposed at a slightly greater distance from each other than are the corresponding low side walls of said table, from which structure it follows that when either of said hoods is in said first position the relatively high walls of said hood surround the relatively low walls of said table therewithout, said table being adapted for playing shulileboard when both of said hoods are in said second position and for bowling when one of said hoods is in said first position and the other thereof in said second position.

7. A combined shufileboard and bowling table, said table having a flat horizontal rectilinear surface including a playing surface and relatively low and parallel side walls and a relatively low end wall at right angles to and joining said side walls, a floorless hood for each end of said table, each of said hoods having an end wall and parallel side walls extending toward the center of said table at right angles to said end wall, all of the walls of each of' said hoods being higher than the corresponding walls of said table and said relatively high side walls of said hood being disposed nearer each other than the corresponding low side walls of said table, a horizontal pivot connecting corresponding portions of each of said side walls of each of said hoods relatively distant from said end walls respectively and each of said side walls of said table, the distance between said pivot points and the ends walls of each of said hoods being slightly less than between each of said pivot points and said end walls of said table, from which structure it follows that said hoods are adapted to be raised and lowered upon said pivots between a first or baflie position wherein said of said hoods are disposed responding low wall of said adjacent and within each cortable and said relatively high end walls of said hoods disposed within and adjacent said said table, with the bottom. of said hoods resting uponrelatively low end walls of surfaces of all of said walls the top of the surface of said table thereby to adapt said table for bowling and prevent tenpins from being knocked therefrom and a second or playing position wherein said end wall and adjacent portions of said side walls of each relatively high walls of each of said hoodsare disposed above said playing surface so that'pla'ye'rs' may operate under said end wall either to bowl from that end or to play shuffleboard, said table this being adapted for playing sufileboard when both of said hoods are in said second position and for bowling when one of said hoods is in said first position and the other thereof in the second.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, said apparatus including two sets of two vertical hollow colufnns e'ach one of said columns being disposed adjacent one of said pivots and extending upwardly above the surface of said table and outside of the walls thereof, each of said pivots being extended to a junction with an adjacent surface of the adjacent column, a weight vertically movable within each of said columns, a cross shaft extending through each column near the top thereof and having an extension therebeyond toward said table positioned and adapted to act as a top for the one of said hoods adjacent thereto when in said second or raised position, a pulley mounted on each of said shafts, and a connector extending from each of said weights over its said pulley and attached to the said side walls of said hood relatively adjacenttheir point of junction with said end walls respectively whereby each of said hoods is counterpoised, said columns being provided with openings through which said connectors operate.

9 Apparatus according to claim 7, said apparatus including two sets of two vertical hollow columns each one of said columns being disposed adjacent one of said pivots and extending upwardly above the surface of said table and outside of the walls thereof, each of said pivots being extended to a junction with an adjacent surface of the adjacent column, a brace disposed inwardly of each column, said brace being bifurcated at its lower end and each bifurcation having an opening through which one of said pivots passes, the upper end of each of said braces being attached to the adjacent side wall of said hood above the level of said side walls of said table whereby said hoods are supported by three point suspension, a weight vertically movable within each of said columns, a cross shaft extending through each column near the top thereof and having an extension therebeyond toward said table positioned and adapted to act as a stop for the one of said hoods adjacent thereto when in said second or raised position, a pulley mounted on each of said shafts within each of said columns, and a connector extending from each of said weights over its said pulley and attached to the said side walls of said hood relatively adjacent their point of junction with said end walls respectively whereby each of said hoods is counterpoised, said columns being provided with an opening through which said connectors operate.

10. A game device for use with a game table; said game table comprising a fiat playing surface; said game device comprising two hoods each for use with one end of said table, each of said hoods comprising: an end wall joined' by two side walls, two pivots for each of said hoods upon which eachof said hoods is movablebetween a first or lower or baffie position wherein game utensils are'prevented from being knocked from said-table and a second or free or upper position wherein said end wall and the adjacentportionsof said side walls of eachofsaid hoods are raised free from and above its end of said'table respec tively, two vertical columns each disposed adjacent each side of said table opposite each other and disposed toward the center of the table away from the ends thereof, and a pivotattached to said columns and engaging each of said side walls of said hood at a point adjacent the end of each of said walls relatively distant from its end wall upon which said h'oods are movable betweenisaid positions. I

11'. A game device for meat each end of a gametable having a generally horizontal playing surface, each'of said game devices including, in combination, a hoodhaving an end wall joined by sidewalls, two hollow columns for each hood opposite each other and spaced from each other a distance at least slightly greater than the width of said table, a pivot in each of said columns extending toward said table upon which said hood is movable between a first or baffle position around the end and adjacent portions of the sides of said table and a second or free position wherein said hood is raised clear of the end of the table, a weight vertically movable within said column, a pulley disposed adjacent the top of each column, and a connector between each of said sides of said hood relatively adjacent the end thereof, said column being provided with an opening through which said connector runs, such counterpoise facilitating the easy movement of said baffie between said two positions.

12. A game device for use at each end of a game table having a generally horizontal and rectilinear playing surface; each of said game devices including, in combination, a hood having an end wall joining side walls extt'e'ndin'g' therefrom at right angles thereto, two hollow columns for each hood opposite each other and spaced from each other a distance at least slightly greater than the width of said table, a pivot in each of said columns extending toward said table upon which said hood is movable between a first or baffie position around the end and adjacent portions of the sides of said table and a second or free position wherein said hood is raised clear of the end of the table, a weight vertically movable within each of said columns, a shaft extending across each of said columns therewithin and therebeyond in a direction toward said table, the portion of said shafts exterior to said columns engaging the sides of said hood respectively when each of said hoods is in said second position to form a stop therefor, a pulley disposed upon said shaft, and a connector between each of said sides of said hood relatively adjacent the end thereof, each of said columns being provided with an opening through which said connector runs, such eounterpoise facilitating the easy movement of said hoods between said two positions.

13. For removable use with a game table having a horizontal and rectangular playing surface; a game device, said game device including, in combination, a floorless hood having side walls joined by an end wall, two vertical columns disposable at a distance from each other greater than the width of said table and relatively adjacent an end thereof, the end wall of said hood being slightly longer than the end of said table and said walls being disposed at right angles to said end wall and being disposed further apart than the sides of the table, a fixed horizontal pivot supported by each of said columns and engaging the sides of said hood at points relatively distant from said end wall respectively, said hood being movable upon saidpivot between a first or lower or bathe position wherein when said device is used therewith said hood is closely adjacent to and surrounds the end of said table outside thereof and a second or playing position wherein said hood is raised from said table, supports extending horizontally from each of said columns and 56 positioned and disposed as to engage the lower edges of said side walls of said hood respectively when said bafiie is in" said first or lower position, said hood and said columns and said supports and said pivot' being clear of said tahle whereby said game device may be employed with said table without any structural change or contact with said table and readily removed from the vicinity thereof.

14. A- game device for use at each end of a game table having a generally horizontal playing surface, each of said game devices including, in" combination, a hood having end walls and side walls extending therefrom at right angles thereto, two'hollow columns for ea'ch'hood oppo site each other and spaced from each other a distance at least slightly greater thanthe'width of said table, a hor iz'ontal pivot in each of said'. columns extending reward said table upon which said hood is movable between a first or bafiie position around the end and" adjacent pdr'-' dons of the sides of said table and a second'or freep'ds'i-" tion wherein said hood is raised clear of the end of the table, the distance between said pivots and the end of said hood being slightly greater than the distance between the intersection of a projection of each pivot and the table and the end of the table, a weight vertically movable within said column, a pulley disposed adjacent the top of each column, a connector between each of said sides of said hood relatively adjacent the end thereof, said column being provided with an opening through which said connector runs, such counterpoise facilitating the easy movement of said baffle between said two positions, supports extending horizontally from each of said columns and so positioned and disposed as to engage the lower edges of said side walls of said hood respectively when said baflle is in said first or lower position, said hood and said columns and said supports and said pivot being clear of said table whereby said game device may be employed with said table without any structural change or contact with said table and readily removed from the vicinity thereof.

15. A game device for use at an end of a game table; said game table having a relatively fiat and rectilinear playing surface; said device comprising, in combination, a floorless hood having an end wall joining two side walls extending therefrom at right angles thereto, the space between said side walls being slightly greater than the width of said table, two hollow supporting columns spaced outside of said side walls and adjacent the ends thereof relatively distant from said end wall, a Vertical supporting strap adjacent to and spaced from each of said columns on the side thereof relatively adjacent said table, a horizontal support attached to and supported by said strap at a point in which when said table is in a first or lower or baflie position it will support the weight of said hood, said hood in such position being disposed around sides and an end of said table adjacent thereto and therewithout, a pivot for each side of said hood extending from the end of each of said side walls relatively distant from said end wall to and supported by said vertical strap, said hood being movable upon said pivots from said first position to a second or upper position wherein its end and the adjacent portion of each of said sides is above said table and free therefrom and out of the way of players, a diagonal support extending from a point adjacent each end of each of said horizontal supports downwardly to said vertical support, cross supports between said columns, diagonal cross braces between each member of one of said pairs of diagonal side braces and an auxiliary brace movable upon each of said pivots extending to a point of fixed junction with each of said side walls respectively, said hood theneby being movable upon at least two spaced points of pivotal suspension upon each side thereof.

16. A game device for use at an end of a game table; said game table having a relatively fiat rectilinear playing surface; said device comprising a floorless rectilinear hood having an end wall joining two side walls, said hood being pivotally movable from a first or bafiie or lower position wherein it surrounds the end and adjacent sides of said playing surface therewithout and a second or free or upper position wherein said end wall and the adjacent portion of each of said side walls of said hood are above said table and out of the way of players, the space between said side walls being slightly greater than the width of said table and the distance between the end wall of said hood and the pivot being slightly greater than the corresponding distance of said table so that in the first of said positions said hood is disposed outside of the sides of said table, two hollow supporting columns spaced a distance greater than the distance between said side walls of said hood and disposed adjacent opposite points of said side walls of said hood relatively distant from said end wall, a vertical supporting strap parallel to each of the sides of said hood respectively and said columns and disposed therebetween, a pivot shaft extending between a pivot opening formed in the adjacent end of each of said side walls relatively distant from said end wall and each of said straps and extending outwardly from said strap to a point of attachment with the inner adjacent surface of said adjacent column, said hoods thereby being pivotally movable upon said pivot shafts, a transverse stub shaft extending across each of said hollow columns adjacent the top of each thereof and extending therewithout to a point wherein it is en gaged by a side wall of said hood when said hood is disposed in said second or raised position and forms a stop therefor, a pulley supported by each of said shafts within each of said columns respectively, a weight vertically movable within each of said columns respectively, a flexible connector between each of said weights passing over said pulley and attached to each of said side walls respectively at a point thereon relatively adjacent said end wall, each of said shafts passing beyond its said column adjacent thereto and also supporting at the upper end thereof said vertical strap adjacent thereto, a cross stub shaft disposed adjacent the bottom of each of said hollow columns to act as a stop for said weight and extending therebeyond to said vertical strap adjacent thereto to attach its lower end to said column adjacent thereto, a horizontal longitudinal support attached to and supported by said strap adjacent the point at which when said table is in said lower or baflie position it will support the weight of said hood, said hood in such position being disposed around sides and an end of said table, diagonal side braces extending from a point adjacent each end of each of said horizontal supports downwardly to said vertical support, cross supports between said columns, diagonal cross braces between each member of one of said pairs of diagonal side braces, and an auxiliary brace having a bifurcated end with two openings therethrough mounted upon each of said pivots respectively between said strap and the adjacent side wall of said hood and extending therefrom to a point of junction with said adjacent side wall at a point upon each thereof relatively adjacent said end wall, said hood thereby being movable upon three spaced points of pivotal suspension upon each side thereof.

17. A game device for use at an end of a game table; said game table having a relatively flat and rectilinear playing surface; said device comprising, in combination, a pivoted floorless hood having an end wall joining two side walls, the space between said side walls being slightly greater than the width of said table, two hollow supporting columns spaced outside of said side walls and adjacent the ends thereof relatively distant from said end wall, a weight within each of said columns, a horizontal shaft passing through each of said columns adjacent the top thereof and extending therebeyond to form a stop for said hood, a pulley supported by each of said columns therewithin, a connector between each of said weights passing over said pulley and attached to points upon each of said side walls respectively relatively adjacent said end wall, said columns being provided with an opening through which said connector passes, a vertical supporting strap adjacent and spaced from each of said columns on the side thereof relatively adjacent said table, said cross shaft forming an attachment for the upper end of said strap, another horizontal shaft extending across said column therewithin and extending therewithout to support the lower end of said strap and to act as a stop for said weight at the lower end of its travel, a horizontal support attached to and supported by said strap at a point whereat when said table is in a first or lower or baflie position it will support the weight of said hood, said hood in such position being disposed around sides and an end of said table adjacent thereto and therewithout, a pivot for each side of said hood extending from the end of each of said side walls relatively distant from said end wall to and supported by said vertical strap and entering an adjacent side of said adjacent columns respectively, said hood being movable upon said pivots from said first position to a second or upper position wherein its end and the adjacent portions of each of the said sides are above said table and free tii'rifjrbiii, the dita'n befive'ii said piifbis aiidilie 'eiid 6f -S iiid liiibds Being re'ati than The fc'bii-esfi'oiidiifg disamce to me en s of the la ile, a aagaaai app'aa extehenng frdin a pdint adjacent each end (if each of said hb'fizontal siipfioits downwardly t6 said v ffibal s'iipiio ft, afld an aniinary veiti'c'al biae' pivatauy max/a le apda eac (if said pivafs 'eiitndiiig theielilbvv 6 a poim df fiiid 1111 1; tiii With said side Walls, said iitibtl thefeby Being ifidvable updn atlast tvi b spaced fibiiits 6f pivdtal sil'spn'sidn iliidfi ali Sidtlii'df.

18. A gaiii device fdl l l s at 'afi iid (if a game table; Said game fafile having a i'elafivly flaf i'eiililiar playin siiffa and llaving aii n'd Wall aiid side vans extending fibril said end vvall at right singles thefeftip; said evice bmpfising, in c'dinliiiiatidn, a pivb't'e'd 116011655 hodd having an end wall and s'ide vvalls extending thefeffom at right angles tfiefetd; the space betvveeii said side walls of said ho od be ing slightly less than that Hetween the side vvalls of saidtable, two lidlldw dolnin'ns sfiaced iltside (if said table and relatively distantlvfr rii said end Wall Within a ptpjectidn 6f the siirfae e of said table, a vviglit within each of said eoliiinns, a ho rizdntal shaft passing threngh each bf said dolurhns adj acent the top" thereof and ektehdin thefeheydnd teward said taliile t o fofm a stop fdr said hdod, a pulley sdppq 'ted by said coluinn within said dolurim, a gipn'neetor between each if said weights passing ever 531a pulley and attached t d points upon each of said side walls df said hood respe'c tively relative adjacent said end Wall pi said hbbd and a horiz ontal pivot for each side of said hdod extending from the end of each of said sidewall s of said hood rela;

tively distant from said end wall and adapted to extend til ssia lnfi'ins, the aiaae betvve'en ,aeh 51 said pit/'61s and e and wan of said hbaa bang 1&8: than that htvke'ii tnii 156int 6i jilfieticj" with said side vvalls and the wires lionding and Wallpf said table, said iidddli eing movable fipoii said fiivdts ffbjr n a first Oi bafiie pdsitien whei ein hltiilii d g es o'f the Walls of said hfidd iest ilpfin the siiffaee (if said tableand 'said walls of said hood are dispbsd within the walls of said table and a seebnd of fipfar fibsitien whereinthe end and the adjacent portions 9f each 6f said sides of said head are above said table and free the'refrbni. I H v 19. A iee accprding to elaim l8, said g am e device inel nding abraee foi' eaeh side of said hbod, one end of said bracelpeiing bifnypated, each bifnrcation having an opening through which bne of said pivots passes,

afld 1. (h i Qf h of s d b ac being fi d y attached to the adjacent side Wall of said hood, said hqgd thegeby being movable upgn three spaced points of pivotal suspension ilpon each side thereof.

iiferencs' cited in the file of this pat ent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

